We conceive of interactivity as a part of the process of web site content development - all of the other strategies illustrate this approach, especially those which focus on ways to get people without computers - especially descendants - involved in this project.
However, we are also working with local schools and libraries to have on-line workshops with both children and adults, many of whom do not have computers at home. While we have had some 'pilot' workshops, others are in progress as this is being written. I am present at the workshops to help people who haven't used computers before, and to collect data about how they interact with the web site, with me, and with each other while the workshop is going on.
We have also included some on-line interactive elements on the web site itself. These include a discussion forum (under-utilised so far - we are attempting to understand why and make it easier to use), feedback forms, and a questionnaire (the design and content of which was vetted by key collaborators and critiqued by colleagues before publication). However, we have not included many of the features that are usually regarded as pathways to so-called interactivity (Java applets, video clips, sound bites, clickable maps and the like) because of download times, software and hardware requirements - in a word, because of access. We have also avoided large pictures and the use of 'frames' for the same reason (although we are in the process of adding larger pictures that can be optionally viewed in our 'photo gallery'). The priority is to enable people to see and enjoy the site with a minimum of frustration - even people with slower computers and slower modems. Most of our time and effort has been aimed at developing content interactively, rather than relying on the technology to create an interactive environment.
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Last updated: Wed Apr 28 1999